Basically, you could’ve actually held some pretty interesting practice drills between the players not participating in Chargers practice drills Friday afternoon.

According to the new NFL rules, all previously unsigned veterans who’ve come to terms since last week’s ratification of the collective bargaining agreement must wait until Aug. 4 to rejoin their teammates on the practice field. For the Chargers, the lengthy list of such newly inked vets on the sideline included safety Eric Weddle, running back Mike Tolbert, offensive tackle Jeromey Clary, defensive lineman Jacques Cesaire and two of the most notable newcomers, much-decorated safety Bob Sanders and linebacker Takeo Spikes.

“It’s tough,” said Weddle of being withheld from activity. “It feels like we’re being punished. This week will be challenging.”

In a backwards sort of way, it’s a similar challenge to the one experienced most of last year by Vincent Jackson. In fact, the wide receiver also was among those standing on the sideline Friday, unable to join the fun because he had just signed a one-year, $11.4 million contract as the Chargers’ franchise player.

“It’s exciting, good to be here on time,” said Jackson. He added, "I want to play football. I want to play it here."

In his quest to land a long-term contract last year, Jackson missed all of training camp and the preseason and 10 games of the regular season. It would’ve been impossible and unfair to pin 2010's many disappointments and ultimate failure to reach the playoffs on any one offensive or defensive player, but Jackson’s absence sure was noted a lot after Chargers losses.

While there certainly and obviously was acrimony between Jackson’s camp and the Chargers, too, the receiver said he reported Friday with no bad blood on either side.

“No, not at all,” said Jackson. “Honestly, when I came in this afternoon … it’s like a reunion with your family. Guys are waiting on me with open arms. A.J. (Smith, general manager) is there. (Team president Dean) Spanos is there. We’ve never had anything personal about it, no confrontations.

“It is a business and things can be shot back and forth, but honestly, I’ve never had a problem with anybody in this building. I feel like this is home.”

Smith indeed has given indication that a long-term contract could be in the offing for Jackson, provided the receiver continues to perform at his Pro Bowl level and not repeat the sort of off-field behaviors that marked a couple of his previous seasons. The latter played into the Chargers’ refusal to give Jackson the contract he wanted last year.

When Jackson didn’t report by June 15 for workouts, the team reduced his contract tender from $3.268 million to $682,000, and his availability for just a half-dozen games cut that down to $280,823. Moreover, he had to serve a three-game suspension upon his return from a seven-game holdout.

Due in large part to his contractual issue with the Chargers, Jackson became one of 10 named plaintiffs in a players’ antitrust suit against the NFL. The lawsuit was settled in conjunction with the new CBA.

“I’m here with the same attitude I’ve had since I was a rookie,” said Jackson. “I want to contribute. I want to come out here, work hard make my teammates better, continue to get better as a player myself. Whatever’s asked of me – special teams, if you need me on the rundown, take kickoffs, whatever – I’m going to do that for this team.

“I think with the weapons that we have, with (tight end Antonio) Gates, the young receivers stepping up, with Patrick (Crayton) back, other guys filling in as times goes on, I’m just one of the many key pieces that Norv (Turner) gets to use on offense and put the pressure on defenses.”